Page 102 of Humility

“That is an understatement,” I said and caught the subtle smirk from Dario.

Neither he nor Enzo had moved a muscle since we sat down, and I wished I could tell them to relax and sit with us, but this was the reality. Behind closed doors, we were so much more, but out here in the open, they were once more bodyguards, and it made me sad to see them treated that way.

“You look stunning. I’m sorry if I keep staring at you, but your dress is breathtaking.”

“Thank you, that is kind of you to say.” She reached out and laid her hand on top of mine on the table. Her voice was so soft I didn’t know how I heard it over the music and loud male voices, but I did. “You look incredible. It’s not the dress but the person who shines.”

This wasn’t how I envisioned dinner or the people we were meeting, but it felt right to be included in an important negotiation for a change. Minny was right. I needed to stop looking at myself through childish eyes. I was a grown woman, powerful and strong. I needed to own that and let it shine through.

“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

Chapter Forty-Six

ANGELO

The stories and rumors didn’t do this man justice. I’d heard everything from a business tycoon who took no prisoners to a demon from hell who would rip your soul out as he destroyed and dismantled your company. I thought they were exaggerating, but now I wasn’t so sure.

I didn’t know what to make of Riker, but I hated how he flirted with Jasmine. Or maybe it was Jasmine who couldn’t take her eyes off him. It made my blood boil, and the angrier I got, the happier Riker seemed to get. Was he purposely trying to push my buttons? All I could think about was leaping across the table and strangling him while trying to keep a pleasant smile on my face.

“What do you think?” I finished and sat back, not wanting to give any trepidation away.

Riker swirled his drink, the wine circling the glass like a whirlpool, and I felt like I was being sucked down into the undercurrent as I waited for his answer.

“Let me understand this correctly. You want to purchase my building and all the equipment but don’t have the downpayment we agreed upon, and you want to extend the payment plan?” His voice was calm and cool, but the way he spoke made me feel like I was sitting in front of my disapproving father all over again. All those old wounds and insecurities were trying to creep to the surface.

“As I explained, there was a snag with the investor, but rest assured, I will find another,” I said, sipping my wine.

“By snag with your investor, you mean the Cogsworth. Is your next plan to steal what you need?” He smirked, and I choked on my drink. It felt like he could see into my mind and knew everything I’d ever done or would do.

“What would make you say that?” The weight of my family ring seemed to be burning right through my finger.

Riker’s lip pulled up. “I may have done business a time or two with the Esposito family as recently as five years ago.” He shifted the fancy Rolex on his wrist, and my heart pounded harder. “You are Mario’s son, are you not? He mentioned a falling out between you, and I helped him with a little financial crisis. He still owes me money, but he pays on time, which bodes well for you. I’m just not sure I want to do business with another Esposito who is struggling to find payment. Could also be considered a conflict of interest.”

I had no idea that my father even knew Riker, but I knew what timeline he referenced. Licking my lips, I tried to calm my racing heart, terrified he would blurt out the entire embarrassing ordeal.

Did he know all the details? Was he trying to drive a wedge between me and Jasmine by bringing up this painful part of our past? I glanced at Jasmine, very aware of her eyes on the side of my face, and my blood pressure began to rise.

“I assure you that any business you have with my father would never conflict with my purchase, and I will not default on the loan,” I said.

“You say that, and yet you didn’t have the downpayment ready for tonight.” He leaned forward, pushing aside his dessert dish before resting his arms on the table. “You must see how that wouldn’t make me feel secure in forging a partnership with you?”

My jaw twitched as my frustration and anger rose with this entire situation. Jasmine laid her hand on my arm, and that simple touch calmed me.

“Mr. Rhodes, I can’t—”

“Riker,” he corrected, cutting her off, but he smiled at her, and I hated the red blush that crept across her cheeks. She was staring at him like he hung the moon. I didn’t know what pissed me off more—that he seemed to know all about my personal and professional life while I knew very little, other than rumors, about him or that Jasmine’s eyes were feasting on the most ruthless businessman in the world. It didn’t help that he looked like he’d been chiseled to perfection by God’s hand.

“Riker. I can’t profess to be a business mogul like yourself, but I can certainly say that Angelo’s word is ironclad. If he says he will get you the requested money with more time, then I assure you he will.”

“You don’t need to defend me. I’m perfectly capable of handling my business,” I said, shooting her a glare, hating that she felt the need to say anything. I immediately regretted it as a flicker of hurt flashed across her face, but she recovered quickly, and it was gone. Jasmine nodded as she removed her hand, and I wanted to take back everything. Shit. I was fucking up on all fronts.

Riker leaned back in his chair, and his arrogance made me want to snarl at him. He pointedly looked at me and then Jasmine before smiling like the fucking Cheshire Cat.

“I’d love to hear what Jasmine has to say, even if you don’t,” he said, and I’d never been so easily stripped down in my entire life. Not even Giovanni had Riker’s skill. I couldn’t decide if I envied or hated him, but neither of the emotions made me like him. I was ready to grab Jasmine’s hand and march out the door and say fuck it to the deal. He was right. I had other ways to get the money.

“No, it’s fine. I’ve said all I was going to,” Jasmine said.

“Not about Angelo. I’d like to hear more about you,” he said and turned to stare at Jasmine even as his arm was wrapped around the back of his wife’s chair. She didn’t seem bothered by his behavior. She just shook her head or rolled her eyes, which made me wonder if this was a game he liked to play. Maybe they both did. Hell, maybe they were looking for someone else to be part of their relationship and Jasmine piqued Riker’s interest. It was hard to tell, and my volatile yet desperate emotions weren’t helping me to think straight.